The holiday season is a time for joy, travel, and reuniting with loved ones. But it’s also a prime opportunity for hackers to target travelers who may be distracted by holiday plans. From phishing attacks to compromised public WiFi networks, cybercriminals have plenty of tactics to exploit unsuspecting travelers. Unfortunately, the risks aren’t limited to personal data; employees traveling for work can expose entire companies to cyber threats.
According to World Travel Protection, only about 30% of companies require employees to follow basic cybersecurity protocols while traveling. This gap leaves businesses vulnerable to significant security risks. Fortunately, with the right preparation and caution, you can safeguard your devices, data, and business from threats. This guide outlines essential steps to protect yourself before, during, and after your holiday trip.
Before You Travel: Prep for Protection
Preparation is the first step in a safe journey. A few proactive measures can prevent potential data breaches and device theft before you even set foot in the airport.
Update All Devices
Outdated software is a hacker’s playground. Software updates include patches for security vulnerabilities, so update your phone, tablet, and laptop before you leave. Automatic updates are ideal, but if manual updates are required, check for them before your trip.
Back-Up Important Data
Imagine losing your laptop containing vital work documents. Without a backup, you’d be at a loss. Back up critical files to a secure, cloud-based service or an encrypted external drive. This ensures you’ll still have access to your data if your device is lost or stolen.
Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone aren’t enough to protect your accounts. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, requiring something you know (a password) and something you have (like a code from an authenticator app). Even if a hacker gets your password, MFA can keep them out.
Restrict Access to Sensitive Data
Leave sensitive files behind. If you don’t need access to certain applications, accounts, or files while traveling, remove them from your devices. This reduces the risk of compromising sensitive information if your device is lost or stolen.
Secure Your Devices
Ensure your devices are encrypted and password-protected. Encryption makes your data unreadable to unauthorized users, while passwords provide a basic level of protection. Use strong passwords or passphrases for added security.
During Your Trip: Stay Vigilant on the Road
Once your journey begins, stay alert. Airports, hotels, and public areas are rife with cybersecurity risks, from compromised WiFi networks to predatory charging stations.
Avoid Public WiFi
Public WiFi networks are breeding grounds for hackers. If you must use public WiFi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity. A VPN acts as a secure tunnel, shielding your data from prying eyes.
Be Cautious of Public Charging Stations
Public USB charging stations seem convenient, but they’re vulnerable to “juice jacking” attacks. Hackers can install malware or steal data through compromised USB ports. Instead, use an AC power outlet or a USB data blocker to charge your devices safely.
Never Leave Devices Unattended
Keep your devices with you at all times. If you must leave your laptop in a hotel room, lock it in a secure case or drawer. Physical theft remains one of the simplest ways for hackers to access sensitive information.
Disable Bluetooth
Turn off Bluetooth when it’s not in use. Open Bluetooth connections can be exploited by hackers to access your devices. This step takes seconds but can prevent serious security issues.
Be Mindful of Online Activity
Phishing scams, fraudulent shopping websites, and business email compromise attacks increase during the holiday season. Don’t click on unfamiliar links or respond to suspicious emails. Verify the sender’s identity before sharing personal information.
After Your Trip: Conduct a Post-Travel Security Check
You’re home, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Hackers’ attacks aren’t always immediate. Sometimes, issues don’t surface until after you’ve returned.
Review Account Activity
Check bank accounts, email accounts, and any work-related accounts you accessed while traveling. Look for unusual logins or unauthorized transactions. If anything seems suspicious, report it immediately and update your passwords.
Change Your Passwords
If you accessed sensitive accounts while traveling, change your passwords when you return. This reduces the likelihood that a hacker who obtained your credentials can continue to access your accounts.
Run Antivirus and Malware Scans
Run a full antivirus and malware scan on your devices. If malware was inadvertently downloaded while you were away, early detection can prevent it from causing damage.
Check for Device Tampering
If you’re concerned that someone may have accessed your device, look for signs of tampering, such as unfamiliar files, new apps, or changes to your security settings. Report any issues to your IT department or a trusted cybersecurity professional.
Traveling during the holiday season should be memorable for the right reasons — not because of a security breach. By following these steps before, during, and after your trip, you’ll keep hackers at bay and protect your personal and business data. From using a VPN and enabling MFA to avoiding public charging stations and monitoring your account activity, proactive measures go a long way in ensuring a secure journey.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting yourself — it’s about safeguarding your workplace, your family, and your peace of mind. Don’t wait for an incident to happen. Take action now and travel with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep hackers out of your holiday plans.